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I have completed my degree in home science (B.Sc. in family and community science). I would like to know about the higher study options in home science and related field. Kindly give me details of the institutions that offer these courses.

CHRISTEENA SEBASTAIN, EMAIL

Meritorious graduates in home science can pursue two-year fulltime M.Sc. in home science. There are separate courses in different specialisations which include food, science and technology, nutrition and dietetics, rural community extension, child development, family relations, textiles and clothing, home management, home science education and extension, applied nutrition, animal nutrition and family resource management.

After successful completion of the M.Sc. programme, one can go for research programmes leading to Ph.D. Aspirants of teaching profession can opt for B.Ed. course or clear NET/JRF lectureship after Master's degree. The doctorate degree can be completed in three to four years.

Those who obtain higher qualifications in home science with relevant specialised subjects can find jobs in the field of food and nutrition related activities in hospitals, food industries, community and social work, crèche and nursery school management, clothing and textiles, and interior decorations, research and development besides teaching profession. One can also work independently as family counselors.

Higher study options

Meritorious graduates in home science can utilise the following higher study options viz. M.Sc. in home science; food science and technology; dietetics; food science and nutrition, and post graduate diploma in dietetics.

M.Sc. in home science

The following institutions, colleges and universities offer M.Sc. in home science:

Avinashalingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore- 641043.

Holy Cross Home Science College, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu

SNDT College of Home Science, Pune

Sri Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science, Mumbai

Lady Amritabai College for Women, Nagpur

Lady Irwin College, New Delhi

KRG College, Gwalior

Bharathiar University, Coimbatore- 641046

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi- 221005

Bangalore University, Bangalore- 560056

University of Delhi, Delhi – 110007

Pondicherry University, Puducherry- 605014

Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Prasanthnilayam- 515134

Food science and technology

A master's degree in food science and technology is another suitable option. Food technology is the application of food science in the manufacturing of food products. Food processing industry makes use of the practical application of various scientific principles for the production, preservation, processing, handling and packaging of food materials.

One can specialise in fruit and vegetables processing, cereal technology, animal products technology and development of food processing machinery.

The following institutions offer M.Sc. course in this discipline or in allied subjects.

St. Mary's College for Women, Paliakara, Thiruvalla offers M.Sc. in food science and quality control.

The college of Health Sciences, University of Calicut, offers M.Sc. in food science and technology.

Government College for Women, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, offers M.Sc. in food and nutrition course.

The College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, under the Kerala Agricultural University offers M.Sc. in food science and nutrition course. Research facilities leading to Ph.D. are also available here.

The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, is a prominent institution under the Central government offering a two-year M.Sc. course in food technology.

CFTRI is affiliated to Mysore University. Bachelor's degree holders in science (with chemistry or biochemistry as one of the subjects) who have secured 50 per cent marks in the optional subjects and have studied mathematics at Plus Two or degree level are eligible for admission. Selection is based on entrance test ( www.cftri.com).

Nutrition is the science of food and its effect on human and animal life, health and disease. Nutritionist and dieticians plan nutrition programmes.

They know about food production and processing, psychological factors influencing food choice, digestion and its effects on nutritional aspects. One can specialise in food science and nutrition in M.Sc. (home science) course. Postgraduate courses are also available in this field.

Those who have passed with 50 per cent marks in B.Sc. in home science or nutrition or B.Sc. with chemistry, life sciences, microbiology or biochemistry as the main subjects are eligible for admission.

Selection is based on marks scored in the qualifying examination.

Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, conducts postgraduate diploma in clinical nutrition—one year course. B.Sc. degree holders in home science are also eligible for admission.

University of Madras, Chepauk, Chennai offers postgraduate diploma in nutrition and dietetics.

Food Science, nutrition and dietetics are inter-related. Food science applies to almost any scientific discipline dealing with the study of food while technology applications are the focus of the postgraduate programmes in food technology.

Those desirous of becoming dieticians or nutritionists should opt for home science/ dietetics and nutrition / food science and technology course at the Master's degree/ postgraduate diploma level. Those who take a doctorate degree can find better career in the research/ academic fields.

List of more institutions and universities that offer M.Sc. in home sciences, food science and technology and nutrition and dietetics courses can be obtained from the university Handbook published by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, which will be available for reference in the University Employment Information and Guidance Bureaux functioning under all Universities in Kerala.